Tricks kids use to get their way

Tiernan McKay is a freelance writer based in Denver, Colorado. Her writing has appeared in magazines such as Alive!, Occupational Health and Safety, Restaurants and Institutions, Tampa Bay and Arizona Woman. Right now, she is either ridi...

Resisting manipulation

It doesn't take long for a parent to discover the dichotomous nature of children. On one hand, they are adorable, precious and full of joy. On the other, they can be sneaky and a bit manipulative. It seems kids are born with a bag of tricks designed to help them get their way.

We try to do our best as parent, but sometimes the weight of a busy schedule, finances and family drama leaves us susceptible to the sometimes charming techniques kids use. By anticipating their go-to tricks, you can be equipped to resist.

The banter

Discourse between two people is the backbone of any relationship, and we start learning to communicate at a very early age. But sometimes, a verbal exchange can turn into an endless banter.

"If you start arguing with your children, they will think that there is a possibility that they could get their way if they push hard enough," says Jaylene Garau, certified teacher and author of The Motivated Child. "Arguing and negotiating creates frustrated parents and disrespectful kids. Parents and kids need to understand that some things are just not up for discussion. Period."

Tantrums

Few manipulation techniques are as brazen (and effective) as the tantrum. We learn this technique as children, but often carry it well into adulthood, making a few adjustments to make our outbursts more socially acceptable.

"Tantrums are the best trick kids have up their sleeves, anything from a whine or a pout to an all out meltdown," says Laurie Gerber of the Handel Group, a corporate consulting and curriculum provider. "Like us adults, kids want what they want when they want it. And, we will do what we have to do to get it." Reacting to the tantrum often escalates the situation and giving in sets you up for even more drama the next time your child wants something.

Mini-you

Our children often represent the best and worst of our personalities. This means that although we may influence their generosity, compassion and kindness, we also influence their impatience, rudeness and selfishness. "There is no way out of this challenge, so we encourage our clients to have a chuckle about how much their kids' tricks should remind them of their own," says Gerber. "Keeping these negative behaviors on a 'leash' requires creativity."

For example, Gerber suggested that one family establish a "jerk jar" for each person, parents included. When someone was behaving less than civilly, they are asked to put a dollar in their jar. Whoever has the least amount of money in the jar at the end of the week keeps the money.